Two-Sport Standout Luke Harvey Set For Senior Season

By Ross Forman
Luke Harvey played defense for co-op PREP last season, his first time ever not on the attack as a forward.

“Having to step up into roles that are uncomfortable to favor the team,” helped Harvey improve, he said. “Coach Nick (Panos) trusted me and made me earn my spot. He trusted me enough to put me in a position that I’ve never (played); he knew I could help the team that way.”

Sure enough, PREP was the top team in the IHSHL North-Central Champions League. They finished 17-3-2, one point ahead of BG/H/W for first place. PREP went on to win the league playoff championship, too.

Harvey had 2 goals and 10 assists in 19 regular season games. He also earned all-star accolades.

“My favorite moment last year was beating Evanston in the (playoff) championship,” said Harvey, known for his passing, physical play and ability to make chances happen. He is a pass-first player, who brings hustle and the ability to hit on the ice.

Harvey, 17, who lives in Arlington Heights, will be a senior this fall at Rolling Meadows High School. He played two years on the PREP varsity and formerly skated for the Chargers and Renegade. He sports uniform No. 11, his birthday number.

Harvey’s career highlight was winning the state championship with the Chargers, despite being the No. 9-seed.

Harvey also is a multi-year varsity football player, splitting time between running back and linebacker. As a sophomore, in his third-ever varsity football game, he scored four touchdowns.

Football helps him stay in shape and his physical play on the ice. “Hockey helps me cut and be faster on the (football) field,” he said.

His hockey motivation this season is simple, his teammates. PREP is a mix of players from Elk Grove, Prospect and Rolling Meadows High Schools. “I play to win for them,” he said.

Slapshots With … PREP Defenseman Luke Harvey

Goal For The Upcoming Season: “Be a leader on the team and win a state championship.”
Favorite NHL Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Favorite NHL Player: Sidney Crosby
Favorite Sports-themed Movie: Rocky
Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: Ben Roethlisberger or Sidney Crosby
Favorite High School Uniform (other than PREP): Saint Viator
Varsity Career Stats: 134 games played; 26 goals; 50 assists